Ceiling system

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a ceiling system in one embodiment includes a grid support member, ceiling panel, and grid hanger configured to support the grid support member in a suspended manner from an overhead structural support. The grid hanger includes a mounting bracket configured for attachment to the structural support and a hanger member. The hanger member is adjustable in a plurality of selectable mounting positions relative to the mounting bracket, thereby allowing the mounted height of the grid support member to be adjusted in the field. In some embodiment, the hanger member is further angularly adjustable relative to the mounting bracket to avoid installation obstacles. Locking elements are provided to secure the hanger member in the selected mounting position. In one embodiment, the grid support member may have a T-shaped cross section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/561,407 filed on Sep. 21, 2017. The disclosure of theabove application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to suspended ceiling systems, and moreparticularly to a system for mounting a ceiling support grid to anoverhead support structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous types of suspended ceiling systems and methods for mountingceiling panels have been used. One type of system includes a suspendedsupport grid including an array of intersecting grid support membersconfigured to hang a plurality of individual ceiling panels therefrom.An improved ceiling system is desired which can facilitate mounting thesupport grid to an overhead support structure that provides flexibilityto accommodate different site conditions encountered in the field fornew and existing installations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a suspended ceiling system generallyincluding ceiling panel grid support members and a grid mounting systemfor securing the grid support members to an overhead support structure.Various embodiments of the present invention provide a field-adjustablegrid mounting system that allows quick attachment of the grid supportmembers to the overhead support structure. Once attached, the gridmounting system includes convenient height and angular adjustmentfeatures in various embodiments to accommodate a variety of fieldinstallation conditions that might be encountered. Advantageously, thistranslates into less cumbersome ceiling support grid installation andtime particularly for non-professional installers.

In one aspect, a grid hanger assembly for mounting a ceiling systemcomprises: a mounting bracket comprising an elastically deformablespring clip, the mounting bracket defining a vertical mountingcenterline; the mounting bracket comprising a bottom flange andadjoining vertical side flange extending upwardly from the bottomflange, the bottom and side flanges configured to engage an overheadsupport structure when mounted thereto; an elongated hanger memberslideably coupled to the spring clip, the hanger member including acoupling end configured to engage a grid support member of the ceilingsystem, the spring clip configured to frictionally secure the hangermember in one of a plurality of selectable mounting positions relativeto the mounting bracket; wherein the spring clip is deformable betweenan unlocked position allowing adjustment of the hanger member relativeto the mounting bracket and a locked position frictionally locking thehanger member in one of the selectable mounting positions.

In another aspect, a ceiling system comprises: an overhead supportstructure; a grid support member defining a longitudinal axis; a ceilingpanel supported by the grid support member; a mounting bracket defininga vertical mounting centerline and comprising a bottom flange andadjoining side flange extending upwardly from the bottom flange, theflanges abuttingly engaging the overhead support structure; the mountingbracket comprising an elastically deformably spring clip; an elongatedhanger member slideably coupled to the spring clip, the spring clipconfigured and operable to frictionally secure the hanger member in aplurality of selectable mounting positions relative to the mountingbracket; wherein the spring clip is deformable between an unlockedposition allowing adjustment of the hanger member relative to themounting bracket and a locked position frictionally locking the hangermember in one of the selectable mounting positions.

In another aspect, a method for mounting a grid hanger assembly of aceiling system comprises: providing a mounting bracket comprising anelastically deformable spring clip and an elongated hanger memberslideably coupled to the spring clip; abutting a bottom flange of themounting bracket with a bottom surface of an overhead support structure;fixedly attaching a side flange of the mounting bracket to a sidesurface of the overhead support structure; sliding the hanger member toone of a plurality of selectable mounting positions relative to themounting bracket, the spring clip frictionally securing the hangermember in position; and attaching a grid support member of the ceilingsystem to the mounting bracket with the hanger member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention willbe described with reference to the following drawings, where likeelements are labeled similarly, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view a ceiling system including an overheadsuspended ceiling support grid and ceiling panels according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken from FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail taken from FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is longitudinal cross-sectional view;

FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken from FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a longitudinal gridsupport member;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are front and rear perspective views respectively of afirst embodiment of a grid hanger according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are front and rear perspective views respectively of themounting bracket of the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 13 is a side view thereof;

FIGS. 14-15 are perspective views of the hanger member of the firstembodiment taken from different angles;

FIG. 16 is a side view thereof;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are front and rear perspective views respectively of asecond embodiment of a grid hanger according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are front and rear perspective views respectively of athird embodiment of a grid hanger according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

FIG. 23 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing details ofinterlocking index tabs of the mounting bracket and hanger member of thethird embodiment;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged detail taken from FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged detail taken from FIG. 22;

FIGS. 26 and 27 are front and rear perspective views respectively of afourth embodiment of a grid hanger according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

FIGS. 29 and 30 are front and rear perspective views respectively of afifth embodiment of a grid hanger according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is an exploded view thereof;

FIG. 32 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 33 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 34 is front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thegrid hanger of FIGS. 29 and 30 which includes a slideable lockingcollar;

FIG. 35 is a front elevation view thereof;

FIG. 36A is an enlarged view showing the locking collar in a firstunlocked position;

FIG. 36B is an enlarged view showing the locking collar in a secondlocked position;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the lockingcollar;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the lockingcollar; and

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of hangermember in the form of a J-hook.

All drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale. Parts given areference numerical designation in one figure may be considered to bethe same parts where they appear in other figures without a numericaldesignation for brevity unless specifically labeled with a differentpart number and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The features and benefits of the invention are illustrated and describedherein by reference to exemplary (“example”) embodiments. Thisdescription of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read inconnection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be consideredpart of the entire written description. Accordingly, the disclosureexpressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodimentsillustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that mayexist alone or in other combinations of features.

In the description of embodiments disclosed herein, any reference todirection or orientation is merely intended for convenience ofdescription and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of thepresent invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,”“horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and“bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,”“downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to theorientation as then described or as shown in the drawing underdiscussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description onlyand do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in aparticular orientation. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,”“connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to arelationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one anothereither directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well asboth movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expresslydescribed otherwise.

FIGS. 1-5 depict a non-limiting embodiment of a ceiling system 100according to the present disclosure. The ceiling system 100 includes anoverhead support grid 200 mountable in a suspended manner from anoverhead building support structure. Support grid 200 includes aplurality intersecting longitudinal grid support members 202 and lateralgrid support members 204. Longitudinal and lateral grid support members202, 204 are elongated in shape having a length greater than theirrespective width (e.g. at least twice), and in various embodimentslengths substantially greater than their widths (e.g. 3 times or more).Longitudinal grid support member 202 may have a substantially greaterlength than lateral grid support member 204 and form “runners” or“rails” which are maintained in a substantially parallel spaced apartrelationship by the lateral grid support members. The longitudinal gridsupport members 202 are typically hung from and supported by a suitableoverhead support structure in the building. The lateral grid supportmembers 204 may be attached between adjacent (but spaced apart)longitudinal grid support members 202 at appropriate intervals using anysuitable permanent or detachable manner employed in the art. Thecombination of interconnected longitudinal and lateral grid supportmembers 202, 204 provides lateral stability to the support grid 200.

In one embodiment, grid support members 202 and 204 may be horizontallyoriented when installed. It will be appreciated, however, that othersuitable mounted orientations of support members 202, 204 such as angledor slanted (i.e. between 0 and 90 degrees to horizontal). Accordingly,although support members 202, 204 may be described in one exemplaryorientation herein as horizontal, the invention is not limited to thisorientation alone and other orientations may be used.

Longitudinal and lateral grid support members 202, 204 intersect to forman array of grid openings 208 which become essentially closed by ceilingpanels 240 mounted below and/or within the openings to the support grid.In some embodiments, the grid support members 202, 204 may be arrangedin an orthogonal pattern wherein the support members intersect at rightangles to form rectilinear grid openings 208 such as squares orrectangles (in top plan view). The terminal ends of the lateral gridsupport members 204 may be configured to interlock with the transverselyoriented longitudinal grid support members 202 at right angles to formthe rectilinear grid pattern in any manner used in the art. Any suitableinterlocking mechanism and configuration may be used, including forexample without limitation interlocking tabs and slots, brackets, clips,etc. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited by the manner ofattachment used.

Longitudinal and lateral grid support members 202, 204 may be T-shaped(e.g. T-rails) in transverse cross section. The grid support membershave an inverted T-shaped configuration when in an installed positionsuspended from an overhead building ceiling support structure using anyof the grid hangers disclosed herein.

Because the longitudinal grid support members 202 primarily support theweight of the ceiling panels via attachment to the building ceilingsupport structure, they may have a slightly more robust constructionthan the lateral grid support members 204 which serve to provide lateralstiffness to the support grid and maintain the dimensions of the gridopenings in which the ceiling panels 240 are installed. Referring toFIG. 6, longitudinal grid support members 202 include alongitudinally-extending horizontal bottom flange 210, a bulbous topstiffening channel 220, and a vertical web 212 extending upwards fromthe flange to the stiffening channel. The longitudinal grid supportmembers 202 each define a respective longitudinal axis LA and axialdirections. Web 212 may be centered between opposing longitudinallyextending edges 214 of flange 210 in one embodiment. Bottom flange 210has opposing portions which extend laterally outwards from web 212 andterminate in opposed longitudinally extending edges 214. In oneembodiment, edges 214 may have a slightly enlarged bulbous configurationin transverse cross-section. Bottom flange 210 further defines a bottomsurface 206 facing downwards away from the flange and towards a room orspace below the support grid 200. Bottom surface 206 defines ahorizontal reference plane for the overhead support grid 200.

In some embodiments, the longitudinal grid support members 202 mayinclude a plurality of mounting holes 222 to facilitate hanging themembers from a ceiling overhead structural support in the building. Themounting holes 222 are configured to receive and engage grid supporthangers, as further described herein. The mounting through holes may beformed in the web 212 of the grid support members 202. Elongated slots223, which may be vertical, may be formed in the webs 212 for insertionof tabs (not shown) from the ends of the lateral grid support members204 for connecting these lateral members between a pair of longitudinalgrid support members 202 as shown.

Grid support members 202, 204 may be made of any suitable metallic ornon-metallic materials structured to support the dead weight or load ofceiling panels 240 without undue deflection. In some preferred butnon-limiting embodiments, the grid support members may be made of metalincluding aluminum, titanium, steel, or other. In one embodiment, thegrid support members 202, 204 may be a standard heavy duty 15/16 inchaluminum T-rail.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, various types of ceiling overhead structuralsupport in the building may be used with the present grid mountingsystem for mounting the grid support members 202, 204 thereto. In oneembodiment, the overhead support structures may be support joists 230depicted in the illustrated embodiment as a non-limiting example. Joists230 are axially elongated structures including a top surface 231,opposite bottom surface 232, and pair of opposed sides 233 extendingtherebetween. These surfaces may each be substantially flat in someembodiments as shown; however, curved or undulating surfaces arepossible. Joist 230 may have a rectilinear transverse cross sections inone embodiment such as rectangular or square (rectangle with equalsides); however, other shaped joist are possible. Joists 230 arearranged generally transverse to the longitudinal grid support members202 and parallel to the lateral grid support members 204 in oneembodiment. Each joist 230 defines a support axis SA orthogonal to thelongitudinal axes LA of the longitudinal grid support members 202.Bottom surfaces 232 of at least a majority of the joists may generallylie in the same horizontal plane in a typical building structure;however, not all joists may necessarily lie in that same plane dependingon the building superstructure or other factors.

Joists 230 may be made of various materials. In one embodiment, joists230 may be solid structures having internal cores as illustratedcomprised of wood and/or wood products. The joists 230 may be naturalsolid wooden members, or engineered wood products formed by heating andcompressing a combination of wood fibers, pieces, saw dust, binders,resins, etc. In other possible embodiments, the joists 230 may havehollow cores. Joists 230 may have any suitable dimensions, such as forexample without limitation 2×12 inches, 2×10 inches, 2×8 inches, 2×6inches, 2×4 inches, etc. The 2×10 or 2×12 inch joists are typically usedfor decking and ceiling construction, but the invention is not limitedto these joist sizes alone. The ends and/or intermediate parts of thejoists 230 may be supported by the building superstructure in a typicalmanner.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-5, any suitable type of ceilingpanel 240 may be used in the present ceiling and grid support systems.Ceiling panel 240 may have a generally flattened body with asubstantially greater horizontal width and length than verticalthickness as shown. Ceiling panel 240 includes a top surface 241,opposite bottom surface 242, and lateral sides 243 extendingtherebetween along four sides of the panel. Top and bottom surfaces 241,242 may be generally planar and arranged parallel to each other in oneembodiment. In one non-limiting embodiment, the lateral sides 243 may beplanar forming opposing pairs of parallel lateral sides.

It will be appreciated that the top and bottom surfaces 241, 242 ofceiling panels 240 may have other configurations or surface profilesrather than planar. In other possible configurations, the top and bottomsurfaces 241, 242 may have irregular surfaces including variousundulating patterns, designs, textures, perforations, ridges/valleys,wavy raised features, or other configurations for aesthetic and/oracoustic (e.g. sound reflection or dampening) purposes. Accordingly, topand bottom surfaces 241, 242 are not limited to any particular surfaceprofile or configuration. The invention is therefore not limited to anyof the particular foregoing constructions.

Ceiling panels 240 may be constructed of any suitable material includingwithout limitation mineral fiber board, fiberglass, jute fiber, metals,polymers, wood, or other. In addition, the ceiling panels 240 may haveany suitable dimensions and shapes (in top plan view) including withoutlimitation square or rectangular. The ceiling panels 240 may be mountedto and supported from the overhead support grid 200 (i.e. longitudinaland lateral grid support members 202, 204) by any suitable means and inan suitable position known in the art. Examples of mounting optionsinclude panel edge engagement with the support grid, clips, brackets, orother mounting techniques.

Elements of the present grid mounting system will now be furtherdescribed. The longitudinal grid support members 202 may be mounted andhung from the overhead ceiling structural support by grid hangers. Thepresent application discloses a variety of suitable grid hangers forthis purpose.

FIGS. 1-5 disclose a first embodiment of a grid hanger 300 for mountingthe support grid to the joists 230. FIGS. 7-16 are detailed views of thegrid hanger 300. Hanger 300 includes an L-shaped mounting bracket 302configured for attachment to overhead support joist 230 and a hangermember 304 slideably coupled thereto for coupling to a longitudinal gridsupport member 202. Mounting bracket 302 includes mounting portion 313comprising an angled body including a horizontal bottom flange 303 andadjoining vertical side flange 301 extending upwards from the bottomflange. The mounting portion 313 defines a vertical mounting centerlineCL which passes through the geometric center of the side flange 301 asshown. The bottom and side flanges 303, 301 may be formed as integralunitary structural parts of the mounting bracket body which is bent toform the flanges. In other embodiments, the flanges 301, 303 may beseparate components attached together by suitable means such as welding,brazing, soldering, etc. In one embodiment, side flange 301 is disposedperpendicularly to bottom flange 303. When attached to support joist230, bottom flange 303 engages the bottom surface 232 and side flange301 engages a side surface 233 of the joist (see, e.g. FIGS. 4 and 5).In one embodiment, bottom flange 303 may be bifurcated comprising a pairof laterally spaced apart first and second flange sections as shown.

The vertical side flange 301 may have a width coextensive with the widthof bottom flange 303 as best shown in FIGS. 7-8 and 10-11. Accordingly,the peripheral side edges 311 of side flange 301 may be aligned with theperipheral side edges 312 of bottom flange 303. Side flange 301 includesfeatures to facilitate attachment to support joist 230. In oneembodiment, flange 301 includes at least one but preferably a pair ofresiliently flexible cantilevered securement tabs 308 movable relativeto a body of the mounting bracket mounting portion 302. Securement tabs308 each include a bottom end formed integrally with the mountingbracket 302 and a pointed free end 309 bent angularly and obliquely tothe body of tab as shown. The bottom ends form living hinges and definean axis of rotation. The tabs 308 may be cut directly from the mountingportion 313 of mounting bracket 302 forming open slots when the tabs arebent to the ready to install position shown in the referenced figures.

In operation, after the mounting bracket 302 is abutted against thesupport joist 230, the securement tabs 308 may be horizontally deflectedby hammering them into the side surface 233 of the joist. The pointedends 309 at least partially penetrate the joist to at least temporarilyhold the bracket in position thereto. A fastener 360, which may be ascrew or nail, can then be installed through a mounting aperture such asa vertical slot 310 formed in the bracket mounting portion 313 to morepermanently affix the mounting bracket 302 to the joist 230. Slot 310may be disposed between the securement tabs 308. It bears noting thatthe slot permits vertical adjustment of the mounting bracket 302relative to the support joist 230 if warranted by field installationconditions encountered to select a proper height of the bracket. Foradded security, additional fasteners 360 may also be driven throughmounting openings 361 remaining in the mounting bracket side flange 301from forming and bending each securement tab 308 (reference FIGS. 3 and9). Alternatively, fasteners 360 may be driven through mounting openings361 associated with each tab 308 instead of using the central mountingslot 310. In either case, the central slot is useful as a viewfinder forthe installer to locate an installation mark made on the joist andproperly locate the mounting bracket 302.

Although the bottom flange 303 of mounting bracket 302 is intended tonormally abut the bottom surface 232 of the joist 230, it will beappreciated that in some implementations and applications the bottomflange 303 may be spatially separated from the bottom of the joist toprovide additional height adjustment or to avoid mounting obstacles suchas existing electrical or other wiring that might be secured to thebottom of the joist. The side flange 301 is sufficient for securelymounting the mounting bracket 302 to the joist.

Mounting bracket 302 further includes a movable securement memberconfigured and operable to lock hanger member 304 in a plurality ofselectable vertical mounting positions. In one embodiment, thesecurement member may be a spring clip 314 attached to or formed as anintegral unitary structural part of the mounting bracket as illustrated.Spring clip 314 includes two outwardly and laterally projecting springarms 305, 306 obliquely angled in relation to each other forminggenerally a V-shaped structure. The arms may be located midway betweenthe peripheral side edges of the bracket in one embodiment. In onearrangement, the arms 305, 306 extend outwards horizontally from a frontside 323 of the mounting bracket 302 in a direction opposite to thebottom flange 303 that extends horizontally and perpendicularly to rearside 324 of the bracket. The arms can be considered to define a top arm305 extending upwardly at an oblique angle to front side 323 of mountingbracket 302 and an opposed bottom arm 306 extending downwardly at anoblique angle to front side 323 of mounting bracket 302. Each arm 305,306 is resiliently flexible and elastically deformable/deflectabletogether or apart in combined horizontal and vertical directions towardor away from the mounting centerline CL of the mounting bracket. Thearms 305, 306 can thus translate or move angularly with respect to thevertical centerline CL due to the oblique orientation of the arms thatproduces the combined motion.

The spring clip 314 is movable between an undeflected/undeformedposition or condition for retaining and locking the hanger member 304 ina selectable vertical position, and a deflected/deformed position orcondition to allow vertical adjustment of the hanger member 304. Springclip 314 has an elastic memory which causes the arms 305, 306 to moveback towards the undeflected/undeformed position (shown in FIGS. 7-13)after being moved to and released from the deflected position. In theundeflected position, arms 305, 306 frictionally engage and apply anlongitudinally acting tensile force on the hanger member 304 to lock thehanger member in vertical position, as further described herein.

The mounting bracket 302 including integrally formed spring clip springarms 305, 306 may be formed of a thin metal sheet material in oneembodiment, which is formed by a suitable fabrication method that mayinclude stamping, cutting, bending, drilling, and/or other techniques toproduce the shape as shown in the figures. In one embodiment, mountingbracket 302 inclusive of the spring arms may be made of spring steel inone non-limiting example; however, other suitable metals such asaluminum, titanium, and others may be used. In embodiments where thespring arms 305 306 are formed of separate pieces fixedly attached tomounting bracket 302, the arms may be made of a different material thanthe bracket.

Hanger member 304 defines a vertical axis VA which is parallel to andoffset from the mounting centerline CL of the mounting portion 313 ofmounting bracket 302. Vertical axis may be located forward of themounting centerline CL as shown. In one embodiment, hanger member 304may be formed from a round metal wire or rod of suitable diameter whichmay be bent to the shape shown (see, e.g. FIGS. 14-16). Hanger member304 includes a configured for coupling to one of the longitudinal gridsupport members 202 and an opposite top end 321. The coupling end 320may be configured as a J-hook in one embodiment for insertion throughone of the mounting holes 222 formed in grid support member 202 (see,e.g. FIGS. 4 and 5), thereby coupling the hanger member and grid supportmember together. An alternative embodiment of a hanger member 304′ inthe form of a J-hook is shown in FIG. 39. The bottom coupling end 320 ofthe J-hook in FIG. 39 is more angular and linear than the arcuatelycurved U-shaped coupling end of the J-hook shown in FIGS. 14-16. Ofcourse, other types of coupling ends and configurations may be providedfor attachment to the grid support member in other embodiments.

An intermediate portion 322 of hanger member 304 is slideably receivedthrough guide holes 307 in spring clip 314. In one embodiment, eachspring arm 305, 306 includes a guide hole 307, which are spacedvertically apart on the spring clip as shown. Guide holes 307 may bediamond shaped in one embodiment; however, other polygonal andnon-polygonal shapes such as round may also be used. As shown in FIGS.9-12, the guide holes 307 are defined by an edge 370. In one embodiment,the edge 370 may have a first linear edge portion 371, a second linearedge portion 372, a third linear edge portion 373, and forth linear edgeportion 374. The first linear edge portion 371 and second linear edgeportion 372 converge upwardly towards each other, and the third linearedge portion 373 and fourth linear edge portion 374 converge downwardlytowards each other. The hanger member 304 is frictionally engaged by thearms 305, 306 at the guide holes 307 when in the undeflected position.This locks the hanger member 304 in one of the plurality of selectablemounting positions via preventing slideable movement of the hangermember relative to the mounting bracket 302. The elastic memoryincreases the frictional hold on the hanger member when the spring arms305, 306 of the spring clip 314 are in the undeflected position shown inthe figures.

According to one aspect, embodiments of the hanger member 304 mayfurther include an index feature to assist with frictionally locking theslideable hanger member 304 in vertical position via the spring arms305, 306 of spring clip 314. The index feature may comprise a pluralityof axially and vertically spaced apart index grooves or notches 350recessed into the surface of hanger member 304, as shown in FIGS. 7-9,14, and 16. Index notches 350 are in vertical and axial alignment alongone side of hanger member 304. Index notches 350 are positioned tolockingly engage spring arms 305, 306 at the guide holes 307 when thespring clip 314 is in the undeflected and locked position, therebyadvantageously increasing the frictional hold on the hanger member 304in one of a plurality of selectable indexed mounting positions. Indexnotches 350 may be spaced uniformly apart by equal distancestherebetween. The index notches 350 define discrete incremental mountingpositions. In one embodiment, notches 350 may be V-shaped.

In use after the mounting bracket 302 is attached to the support joist230 via fasteners (e.g. nails, screws, etc.) and securement tabs 308, aninstaller or user moves or squeezes the arms 305, 306 verticallytogether to the deflected position in which the arms are closer togetherthan depicted. This position reduces the frictional force or holdbetween the hanger member 304 and spring clip 314 at the guide holes307, thereby allowing the installer to slide the hanger member moreeasily to the desired vertical position or height. The installer thenreleases the spring clip, which returns to the spring-biased undeflectedposition. In one embodiment, each arm 305, 306 may include angled andbent flat terminal operating ends 325 to facilitate grasping with theinstaller's fingers for squeezing the spring arms together. Operatingends 325 are obliquely angled to inboard intermediate portions 326 ofeach arm 305, 306 (see, e.g. FIG. 13).

In one embodiment, the top end 321 of the hanger member 304 may be bentand curved as an L-shape having a portion that projects laterally andhorizontally. This curved end 321 forms a vertical travel stop 375restricting a range of vertical motion and position of the hanger memberrelative to the mounting bracket 302. If moved downwards to its fullestextent, the curved top end 321 engages the top spring arm 305 at theguide hole 307 to limit the height of the hanger member 304. This limitsthe lowest-most height of the hanger member 304 relative to the mountingbracket 302 and joist 230.

Mounting bracket 302 and hanger member 304 may be formed of any suitablematerial. In one embodiment, bracket 302 and hanger member 304 arepreferably formed of a suitable metal such as steel; however, othertypes of metals or non-metallic materials may be used as appropriate. Inone embodiment, bracket 302 is made of spring steel to provide theelastic memory and deformability discussed herein. In one embodiment,the steel used for the hanger member 304 (e.g. hook) has a lowerhardness than the steel used for the bracket 302. Advantageously, thisallows the bracket to more securely bite into and grip the hanger member304 to secure it in position particularly in embodiments where indexnotches 350 might not be used on the hanger member.

FIGS. 17-19 disclose another embodiment of a grid hanger 400 formounting the support grid to the joists 230, which has indexed verticaladjustment positions. Grid hanger 400 contains elements similar to gridhanger 300 including a laterally elongated L-shaped mounting bracket 402configured for attachment to overhead support joist 230 and a hangermember 404 slideably coupled thereto for coupling to a longitudinal gridsupport member 202. Mounting bracket 402 includes mounting portion 413comprising an angled body including a horizontal bottom flange 403 andadjoining vertical side flange 401 extending upwards from the bottomflange. Mounting portion 413 defines a front side 423, rear side 424,and peripheral side edges 411 therebetween. The vertical side flange 401may have a width coextensive with the width of bottom flange 403. Inthis embodiment, both side flange 401 and bottom flange 403 eachincludes at least one resiliently flexible cantilevered securement tabs408 configured similarly to tab 308 already described herein. Securementtabs 408 are movable relative to the body of the mounting portion 413 ofmounting bracket 402. Tabs 408 are operable to engage and at leasttemporarily hold mounting bracket 402 to a joist 230 in a similar mannerto mounting bracket 302. A plurality of mounting apertures 410 such asround holes in this embodiment are provided in the bottom and sideflanges 403, 401 that are configured to receive a fastener. Thefastener, which may be a screw or nail, can then be installed throughthe mounting apertures 410 formed in the bracket mounting portion 413 tomore permanently affix the mounting bracket 402 to the joist 230.

Similarly to hanger member 304, hanger member 404 includes a round wireor rod-like bottom lower coupling end 420 that may be configured as aJ-hook in one embodiment for insertion through one of the mounting holes222 formed in grid support member 202. A top straight portion 421 ofcoupling end 420 is fixedly attached to a laterally broadened andgenerally flat upper adjustment strap 430. Adjustment strap 430 has flatfront and rear sides 433, 434 and may be vertically elongated as shown.The adjustment strap further includes an elongated vertical adjustmentslot 431 configured with a plurality of lateral detent or index recesses432 extending along one vertical lateral side of the slot for a majorityof the length of the slot. The remaining opposite vertical lateral sideof the slot 431 is linear and generally smooth. Each index recess 432 isangled obliquely upwards to the vertical length of the adjustment slot431, as shown. This provides a plurality of selectable and incrementallyindexed vertical mounting positions of the hanger member 404 relative tothe mounting bracket 402. The linear or vertically stacked array 431 ofindex recesses 432 may extend for a majority of the length of slot 431in one embodiment as shown. A plurality of generally pointed teeth aredefined between the index recesses 432 as shown, thereby creating asawtooth structure or toothed rack along one lateral side within theslot. The top and bottom ends of the slot 431 are closed. The closed topend of the slot 431 forms a vertical travel stop restricting the rangeof vertical motion and position of the hanger member relative to themounting bracket 402. This limits the lowest-most height of the hangermember 404 relative to the mounting bracket 402 and joist 230. Indexrecesses 432 may be spaced uniformly apart by equal distancestherebetween in one embodiment. The index recesses 432 define discreteincremental mounting positions.

Mounting bracket 402 further includes a movable securement memberconfigured and operable to lock hanger member 404 in a plurality ofselectable vertical mounting positions. In one embodiment, thesecurement member may be a locking element 440 such as a threadedfastener including a threaded shank or stud 441 that extends completelythrough the adjustment slot 431 and travels within the adjustment slot431 of strap 430. The threaded stud 441 of locking element 440 engagesthe mounting portion 413 (side flange 401) of mounting bracket 402 at afixed end of the stud. The fixed end of the stud 441 may be preferablywelded or threadably engaged with the side flange 401 of bracket 402. Athreaded nut such as a wing nut 442 threadably engages the free end ofthe threaded stud 441. The wing nut 442 engages the front surface of theupper adjustment strap 430 of the hanger member 404 when the nut istightened to lock the strap in vertical position via frictionalengagement. In other embodiments, the locking element 440 may beconfigured as wing-head thumb screw with attached threaded shank whichthreadably engages the side flange 401. Other types of threadedfasteners, however, may be used. The adjustment slot 431 is sufficientlywide so that the threaded stud 441 an travel vertically along the smoothlinear side of the slot without engaging the index recesses 432. Thisenables the adjustment strap 430 to slide in position relative to themounting bracket 402 for height adjustment.

A method of using grid hanger 400 is now described. In use after themounting bracket 402 is attached to the support joist 230 via fasteners(e.g. nails, screws, etc.) and securement tabs 408, an installer or userrotates and loosens the threaded locking element 440 via the wing-shapedhead. This reduces the frictional force or hold between the upperadjustment strap 430 of hanger member 404 and the mounting bracket 402,thereby allowing the installer to slide the hanger member up or down tothe desired vertical position or height. The threaded shank or stud 441of locking element 440 slides through the open smooth lateral sideportion of the adjustment slot 431 without engaging the index recesses432 of the toothed rack formed on the opposing lateral side portion ofthe slot. When the selected position is reached, the installer moves theupper adjustment strap 430 of hanger member 404 laterally (i.e.transversely to the length of slot 431) to insert and engage thethreaded shank or stud 441 with one of the index recesses 432. Theinstaller then tightens the locking element 440 via the wing nut 442,which increases the frictional force between the upper adjustment strap430 of hanger member 404 and the mounting bracket 402 to lock the hangermember in the selected vertical position.

It will be appreciated that the hanger member 404 is verticallyadjustable when the locking element 440 is disengaged from the indexrecesses 432, and not vertically adjustable when the locking element isengaged with one of the index recesses. Advantageously, the hangermember 404 is rotatable and angularly adjustable when the lockingelement 440 is either engaged with or disengaged from one of the indexrecesses 432 when the locking element is loosened in the unlockedposition. This installation flexibility allows the hanger member 404(i.e. adjustment strap 430) to be titled or canted in the event the gridsupport member 202 is not directly below and in perfect verticalalignment with the strap 430). When the locking element 440 is tightenedand engaged with one of the index recesses 430 in the locked position,the angular orientation of the adjustment strap 430 will be maintained.To further fix the angled position of the strap 430, a fastener such asa screw or nail (e.g. like fastener 618 shown in FIG. 21) may optionallybe driven through an open index recess 432 into the support joist 230thereby providing two points of fixation that prevents the strap frommoving.

It bears noting that in this embodiment, the vertical axis VA of thehanger member 404 is parallel to and offset just slightly forward fromthe vertical mounting centerline CL of the mounting bracket 402 by thethickness of the upper adjustment strap 430. The centerline CL andvertical axis VA however lie in the same vertical plane midway betweenthe peripheral edges 411 of the mounting bracket, and thus are inlateral alignment.

FIGS. 20-25 disclose another embodiment of a grid hanger 600 formounting the support grid to the joists 230, which also has indexedvertical adjustment positions. Grid hanger 600 contains elements similarto grid hanger 300 including a laterally elongated L-shaped mountingbracket 602 configured for attachment to overhead support joist 230 anda hanger member 604 slideably coupled thereto for coupling to alongitudinal grid support member 202. Mounting bracket 602 includesmounting portion 613 comprising an angled body including a horizontalbottom flange 603 and adjoining vertical side flange 601 extendingupwards from the bottom flange. Side flange 601 may be T-shaped oneembodiment as depicted. Mounting portion 613 defines a front side 623,rear side 624, and peripheral side edges 611 therebetween. The verticalside flange 601 may have a width coextensive with the width of bottomflange 603. In this embodiment, side flange 601 includes at least oneresiliently flexible cantilevered securement tabs 608 configuredsimilarly to tab 308 already described herein. Securement tabs 608 aremovable relative to the body of the mounting portion 613 of mountingbracket 602. Tabs 608 are operable to engage and at least temporarilyhold mounting bracket 602 to a joist 230 in a similar manner to mountingbracket 302. A plurality of mounting apertures 610 such as round holesin this embodiment are provided in the bottom and side flanges 603, 601that are configured to receive a fastener. The fastener, which may be ascrew or nail, can then be installed through the mounting apertures 610formed in the bracket mounting portion 613 to more permanently affix themounting bracket 602 to the joist 230.

Similarly to hanger member 304, hanger member 604 includes a round wireor rod-like bottom lower coupling end 620 that may be configured as aJ-hook in one embodiment for insertion through one of the mounting holes222 formed in grid support member 202. A top straight portion 621 ofcoupling end 420 is fixedly attached to a laterally broadened andgenerally flat upper adjustment strap 630. Adjustment strap 630 has flatfront and rear sides 633, 634 and may be vertically elongated as shown.

The adjustment strap 630 further includes a plurality of verticallyspaced apart index holes 640 extending along the length of the strap andtherethrough from front to rear. This provides a first index feature ofthe adjustment strap 630. Each index hole 640 is alignable with acorresponding fixation hole 610A formed in side flange 601 of mountingbracket 602 by sliding the strap 630 up and down along the side flange.This provides a plurality of selectable and indexed vertical mountingpositions of the hanger member 604 relative to the mounting bracket 602.Index holes 640 may be spaced uniformly apart by equal distancestherebetween.

To assist with sliding the adjustment strap 630 up and down along themounting bracket 602, a pair of opposed guide rails 650 are disposed onthe mounting bracket. Guide rails 650 are vertically elongated andspaced laterally apart forming a partially enclosed interior channel 651configured to movably receive the adjustment strap 630. The rails 650may be configured as structural angles each having a vertical first wall652 fixedly disposed on vertical side flange 601 of mounting bracket 602and an adjoining inwardly turned vertical second wall 653 arrangedperpendicularly to the first wall. The first walls 652 extendperpendicularly to the vertical side flange 601 of the mounting bracket602. The second walls 653 of each guide rail 650 extend towards eachother and the mounting centerline CL of the mounting bracket. In theillustrated embodiment, the facing linear vertical edges of the secondwalls 653 do not meet and are spaced laterally apart to allow fastener618 to be inserted through the channel 651 and one of holes 640 intofixation hole 610A and the support joist. The adjustment strap 630 isretained in the channel 651 during movement by the guide rails 650.There is sufficient front to rear clearance or “play” of the adjustmentstrap 630 within the guide rails 650 to allow mating index tabs 660, 661described below to slide past each other during upwards or downwardsmovement of the adjustment strap 630.

A second index feature of adjustment strap 630 is formed by a pluralityof vertically spaced apart cantilevered L-shaped index tabs 660 thatproject rearwardly from rear side 634 of the adjustment strap 630. Indextabs 660 engage corresponding cantilevered L-shaped index tabs 661 thatproject forwardly from side flange 601 of mounting bracket 602. Indextabs 660 and 661 form hook structures in configuration. As best shown inFIG. 23, index tabs 660 extend outwardly and downwardly while index tabs661 extend outwardly and upwardly, thereby allowing the curved free endsof the tabs to be received in the recesses formed beneath each tab. Thiscreates the interlocked tab arrangement illustrated. In otherembodiments, the orientation of tabs 660 and 661 may of course bereversed to achieve the same result and meshed arrangement. In oneembodiment, two index tabs 661 may be provided as depicted with one tab661 each located above and below fixation hole 610A in the mountingbracket 602. Fixation hole 610A and at least one mounting bracket indextab 661 may be positioned inside channel 651 in one embodiment. Indextabs 660 may be spaced uniformly apart by equal distances therebetween.The index tabs 660 define discrete incremental mounting positions.

A method of using grid hanger 600 is now described. In use after themounting bracket 602 is attached to the support joist 230 via fasteners(e.g. nails, screws, etc.) and securement tabs 608, an installer or userslides the adjustment strap 630 of hanger member 604 up or down to thedesired vertical position or height. When the hanger member 604 reachesthe desired mounting height, the installer mutually engages the indextabs 660, 661 (best shown in FIG. 23). At least one index tab 660 isengages with at least one index tab 661. This automaticallyconcentrically aligns fixation hole 610A with one of the index holes 640formed in the adjustment strap 630 via predetermined vertical spacing ofthe index holes and index tabs 660, 661. A movable securement memberconfigured and operable to lock hanger member 604 in one of theplurality of selectable indexed vertical mounting positions is provided.In one embodiment, the securement member may be a locking fastener 618such as a screw or nail which may then be driven through the fixationhole 610A and mating index hole 640 into the support joist 230 to lockthe hanger member 604 in vertical position. It bears noting that theindex tabs 660, 661 help temporarily maintain the desired position ofthe hanger member 604 until the locking fastener 618 can be driven intothe joist.

It bears noting that in this embodiment, the vertical axis VA of thehanger member 604 is parallel to and offset just slightly forward fromthe vertical mounting centerline CL of the mounting bracket 602 by thethickness of the upper adjustment strap 430. The centerline CL andvertical axis VA however lie in the same vertical plane midway betweenthe peripheral edges 611 of the mounting bracket, and thus are inlateral alignment.

FIGS. 26-28 disclose another embodiment of a grid hanger 500 formounting the ceiling support grid to the joists 230. Grid hanger 500contains elements similar to grid hanger 300 including an L-shapedmounting bracket 502 configured for attachment to overhead support joist230 and a hanger member 504 slideably coupled thereto for coupling to alongitudinal grid support member 202. Mounting bracket 502 includesmounting portion 513 comprising an angled body including a horizontalbottom flange 503 and adjoining vertical side flange 501 extendingupwards from the bottom flange. Mounting portion 513 defines a frontside 523, rear side 524, and peripheral side edges 511 therebetween. Thevertical side flange 501 may have a width coextensive with the width ofbottom flange 503. In this embodiment, both side flange 501 and bottomflange 503 each includes at least one resiliently flexible cantileveredsecurement tabs 508 configured similarly to tab 308 already describedherein. Securement tabs 508 are movable relative to the body of themounting portion 513 of mounting bracket 502. Tabs 508 are operable toengage and at least temporarily hold mounting bracket 502 to a joist 230in a similar manner to mounting bracket 302. A plurality of mountingapertures 510 such as round holes are provided in the bottom and sideflanges 503, 501 that are configured to receive a fastener. Thefastener, which may be a screw or nail, can then be installed throughthe mounting apertures 510 formed in the bracket mounting portion 513 tomore permanently affix the mounting bracket 502 to the joist 230.

Mounting bracket 502 further includes a resiliently deformable springclip 514 having an elastic memory attached to as a separated piece orformed integrally as a unitary structural part of the mounting bracket502. Spring clip 514 may be disposed on the front side 523 of themounting bracket 502. Spring clip 514 includes two elongated andhorizontally spaced apart spring arms 505, 506 that extendperpendicularly to mounting centerline CL of the bracket 502. The arms505, 506 are configured to form a generally V-shaped structure includinga closed end 515 and opposite open end 516. Arm 506 is a stationaryelement fixedly disposed on the mounting portion 513 of mounting bracket502 and arm 505 is a movable element that is deflectable relative to thefixed arm 506.

Hanger member 504 may be configured similarly to the rod-like hangermember 304 already described herein. Hanger member 504 includes a bottomcoupling end 520 that may be configured as a J-hook in one embodimentfor insertion through one of the mounting holes 222 formed in gridsupport member 202. An intermediate portion 522 of hanger member 504 isslideably received between arms 505 and 506 of spring clip 514. In oneembodiment, the intermediate portion 522 passes through and engages theclosed end 515 of the spring clip 514. The vertical axis VA of thehanger member 504 is laterally offset and parallel to the mountingcenterline CL of the mounting bracket 502. In one embodiment, hangermember includes a curved top end 521 that forms a vertical travel stoprestricting a range of vertical motion and position of the hanger memberrelative to the mounting bracket 502. This limits the lowest-most heightof the hanger member 504 relative to the mounting bracket 502 and joist230. Top end 521 may be bent to extend horizontally to engage the topedges of spring arms 505, 506. Top end 521 may be T-shaped in oneembodiment. If moved downwards to its fullest extent, the curved top end521 engages the top spring arm 305 at the guide hole 307.

The spring clip 514 is configured and operable to frictionally engageand secure the hanger member 504 in one of the plurality of selectablevertical mounting positions. Spring clip 514 is movable between apartially closed unlocked position allowing adjustment of the hangermember 504 relative to the mounting bracket, and a fully open lockedposition frictionally locking the hanger member in one of the selectablemounting positions via application of compressive clamping forces on thehanger member. In the locked position, the spring arms 5-5, 506 arespaced closest to each other. Spring clip 514 is resilient biased aparttowards the fully open unlocked position.

A locking element 540 such as a threaded fastener includes a threadedshank or stud 541 that extends completely through a hole 518 in springarm 505 and engages the mounting portion 513 (side flange 501) ofmounting bracket 502 at a fixed end. Hole 518 may be a horizontal slotin one embodiment, as shown. The fixed end of the stud 541 may bepreferably welded or threadably engaged with the side flange 501 ofbracket 502. A threaded nut such as a wing nut 542 threadably engagesthe free end of the threaded stud 541. The wing nut 542 engages thefront surface of spring arm 505 of the spring clip 514 when the nut istightened to lock the hanger member 504 in vertical position viafrictional engagement. In other embodiments, the locking element 540 maybe configured as wing-head thumb screw with attached threaded shankwhich threadably engages the side flange 501. Other types of threadedfasteners, however, may be used.

Spring clip 514 is operable to frictionally engage and disengage thehanger member 504. In use after the mounting bracket 502 is attached tothe support joist 230 via fasteners (e.g. nails, screws, etc.) andsecurement tabs 508, an installer or user rotates and loosens thethreaded locking element 540 to allow the spring arms 505, 506 to expandto the unlocked position. This reduces the frictional force or holdbetween the hanger member 504 and spring clip 514, thereby allowing theinstaller to slide the hanger member more easily to the desired verticalposition or height. The installer then tightens the locking element 540,which increases the frictional force between the spring clip 514 andhanger member 504 to lock the hanger member in the selected verticalposition.

FIGS. 29-33 disclose another embodiment of a grid hanger 700 formounting the ceiling support grid to the support joists 230, which isboth vertically and angularly adjustable in position to better avoidexisting fixtures such as piping, electrical wiring, structural beams,etc. Grid hanger 700 contains elements similar to grid hanger 300including an L-shaped mounting bracket 702 configured for attachment tooverhead support joist 230 and a hanger member 704 slideably coupledthereto for coupling to a longitudinal grid support member 202. Mountingbracket 702 includes mounting portion 713 comprising an angled bodyincluding a horizontal bottom flange 703 and adjoining vertical sideflange 701 extending upwards from the bottom flange. Mounting portion713 defines a front side 723, rear side 724, and peripheral side edges711 therebetween. The vertical side flange 701 may have a widthcoextensive with the width of bottom flange 703. In this embodiment,both side flange 701 and bottom flange 703 each includes at least oneresiliently flexible cantilevered securement tabs 708 configuredsimilarly to tab 308 already described herein. Securement tabs 708 aremovable relative to the body of the mounting portion 713 of mountingbracket 502. Tabs 708 are operable to engage and at least temporarilyhold mounting bracket 702 to a joist 230 in a similar manner to mountingbracket 302. A plurality of mounting apertures 710 such as round holesare provided in the bottom and side flanges 703, 701 that are configuredto receive a fastener. The fastener, which may be a screw or nail, canthen be installed through the mounting apertures 710 formed in thebracket mounting portion 713 to more permanently affix the mountingbracket 702 to the joist 230.

Hanger member 704 includes a vertically elongated and laterallybroadened adjustment strap 730. Adjustment strap 730 has generally flatbody including parallel front and rear sides 433, 434 as shown. Theadjustment strap 730 further includes a vertical linear adjustment slot731. The top and bottom ends of the slot 731 are closed. The closed topend of the slot 731 forms a vertical travel stop restricting the rangeof vertical motion and position of the hanger member relative to themounting bracket 502. This limits the lowest-most height of the hangermember 704 relative to the mounting bracket 702 and joist 230.

Adjustment slot 731 of adjustment strap 730 slideably receives a firstlocking element 740 therethrough. The locking element 740 may be athreaded fastener including a threaded shank or stud 741 that extendscompletely through the adjustment slot 731 and engages the side flange701 of mounting bracket 702 at a fixed end. The fixed end of the stud741 may be preferably welded or threadably engaged with the side flange701 of bracket 702. A threaded nut such as a wing nut 742 threadablyengages the free end of the threaded stud 741. The first locking element740 both pivotably and linearly mounts the adjustment strap 730 to themounting bracket 702. Accordingly, the adjustment strap 730 is bothvertically and angularly adjustable via the first locking element 740.The wing nut 742 engages the front surface of adjustment strap 730 whenthe nut is tightened to lock the hanger member 504 in vertical positionvia frictional engagement. When the wing nut 742 is loosened, the strap730 may be moved and adjusted both vertically and angularly in positionand orientation. The first locking element 740 thus defines a pivot axisfor strap 730.

In other embodiments, the locking element 540 may be configured aswing-head thumb screw with attached threaded shank which threadablyengages the side flange 701. Other types of threaded fasteners, however,may be used.

Mounting bracket 702 further includes an arcuate slot 760 which isalignable in a plurality of angular positions with the linear slot 731of the hanger member 702. Slot 760 may be disposed above and arches overthe top of threaded stud 741 affixed to the side flange 701 of mountingbracket 702 as best shown in FIG. 31. For adjusting angular position ororientation of the adjustment strap 730, the strap may be rotated leftor right about the first locking element 740 (i.e. threaded stud 741).Adjustment strap 730 defines a vertical axis VA extending along itslength such that the strap is adjustable between a plurality of anglesA1 to the vertical mounting centerline CL of the mounting bracket 702.In some embodiments, the strap 730 is adjustable from angles A1 of about−180 degrees to about +180 degrees including any angles therebetween.Where angular adjustment is not needed or desired, angle A1 may be zero(i.e. vertical axis VA is parallel to mounting centerline CL).

The arcuate slot 760 and a portion of linear adjustment slot 731 instrap 730 will intersect and overlap for the angular length of travelprovided by the arcuate slot. When a desired angular orientation andheight of the adjustment strap 730 of hanger member 704 is reached, asecond locking element 750 such as a nail or screw may be driven throughboth the superimposed arcuate and linear slots 760, 731 to lock thehanger member in one of a plurality of both vertical and angularpositions relative to the mounting bracket 702. Advantageously, theability to both vertically and angularly adjust the hanger member 704allows the installer or user to avoid existing installation obstaclessuch as wiring, lighting fixtures, pipes, etc. when hanging thelongitudinal grid support members 202 from the support joists 230.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 29-33, hanger member 704 furtherincludes a coupling member configured to engage a longitudinal gridsupport member 202 of the ceiling system. In one embodiment, thecoupling member may be a clamp 770 including a plurality of elongatedand resiliently flexible locking jaws 774, 775 configured to engage thebulbous top stiffening channel 220 of the grid support member 202(reference FIG. 6). The locking jaws may be formed on a lower portion ofthe clamp. Clamp 770 may be pivotably connected to a lower portion ofthe hanger member adjustment strap 730 via a pivot pin 772.Advantageously, this ensures that the clamp 770 will maintain a verticalorientation to engage the grid support member 202 regardless of theangular position of the hanger member adjustment strap 730. Pivot pin772 has a fixed end securely coupled to adjustment strap 730 and extendsforwardly from a front surface of the strap as shown. Clamp 770 includesa rolled cylindrical knuckle or barrel 771 at top of an upper portionthe clamp which is configured to receive pivot pin 772 therethrough asshown for pivotably mounting the clamp to the adjustment strap 730. Thelocking jaws 774, 775 extend downwardly from the barrel 771. The lockingjaws preferably include at least one right jaw 774 and at least oneopposing left jaw 775 (left and right sides defined by looking towardfront side 723 of mounting bracket 702). In the illustrated embodiment,there are two left jaws 775 spaced apart and a single right jaw 774positioned in the gap between the left jaws. The left and right jaws areoriented at a slight oblique angle to each other and a verticalreference line VL drawn through the pivot pin 772. The bottom ends ofthe locking jaws 774, 775 are inwardly curved towards reference line VLto define hooks or ledges 777 which are configured to engage theunderside of grid support member top stiffening channel 220 when mountedin the clamp 771. Each locking jaw 774, 775 further includes a shoulder782 spaced vertical apart from its respective ledge 777 which generallyconforms to the cross-sectional shape of the stiffening channel 220.This creates a laterally “bumped out” and widened lower section of eachjaw defining a lateral engagement sidewalls 784 of each jaw which liesin a different vertical plane than the upper section of each jaw thatadjoins the barrel 771. The jaws 774, 775 including shoulders 782 areconfigured to collectively define a central void 778 having a generallycomplementary configuration to the cross-sectional shape of the gridsupport member top stiffening channel 220 when the jaws are in anundeflected position shown in the figures.

Clamp 770 including locking jaws 774, 775 may be formed as a monolithicunitary structure in some embodiments. The clamp 770 and locking jaws774, 775 may be formed of sheet metal having a suitable thickness and aresilient elastic memory to act as spring members. In one embodiment,spring steel may be used; however, other suitable metals having anelastic memory may be used. The clamp 770 including locking jaws 774,775 are resiliently movable together and apart between the normalundeflected position when disengaged from the grid support member 202and a deflected position either partially or fully engaged with the gridsupport member.

A method of using grid hanger 700 is now described. In use after themounting bracket 702 is attached to the support joist 230 via fasteners(e.g. nails, screws, etc.) and securement tabs 708, an installer or userrotates and loosens the threaded first locking element 740. This reducesthe frictional force or hold between the hanger member 704 and mountingbracket 702, thereby allowing the installer to slide the adjustmentstrap 730 upward and downward to the desired vertical position orheight, and simultaneously also angularly left or right to the desiredangular orientation or position about threaded stud 741. The installerthen tightens the locking element 740, which increases the frictionalforce between the wing nut 742 and adjustment strap 730 to lock thehanger member in the selected vertical and angular positions. To helpmore permanently maintain the selected angular position of strap 730,the second locking element 750 may be driven through superimposed linearslot 731 and arcuate slot 760 into the support joist 230, therebylocking the angular position.

The clamp 770 may be coupled to the longitudinal grid support member 202by pressing or forcing the locking jaws 774, 775 downwards intoengagement with the bulbous top stiffening channel 220 of grid supportmember 202. This deflects and spreads the locking jaws apart allowingthe stiffening channel 220 to enter the central void 778 of the clamp770 between the opposing jaws. The clamp 770 is in a deflected positionas the jaws 774, 775 slide downwards along the sides of the stiffeningchannel Once the inwardly curved bottom end ledges 777 of the lockingjaws 774, 775 pass below the stiffening channel 770 of the grid supportmember, the elastic memory of the inwardly-biased jaws will cause thejaws to snap inwards beneath and engage the underside of the topstiffening channel 220. The lateral portions of the jaws 774, 775 mayalso frictionally engage the sides of the stiffening channel 220. Theledges 777 prevent withdrawal of the stiffening channel 220 from theclamp 770 without manually forcing the jaws of the clamp apart. Theclamp is now back in the starting undeflected position, or a partiallydeflected position if the jaws 774, 775 do not fully close whichincreases frictional securement of the grid support member 202 to theclamp 770. A threaded fastener such as a screw 780 may optionally bethreaded through a locking hole 776 in one of the jaws 774 or 775 toengage the stiffening channel 220 and help secure the clamp 770 on thegrid support member 202.

FIGS. 34-36B shown an alternative embodiment of the clamp 770 assemblywhich includes a locking collar 800 which may be used to deform andsecure the clamp to the grid support member 202 in lieu of or inaddition to screw 780. Locking collar 800 includes a horizontallyelongated top wall 802 and pair of opposing sidewalls 804 extendingdownwards from and perpendicular to the top wall. The top wall andsidewalls may be substantially flat or planar in one embodiment.Sidewalls 804 are spaced laterally apart and configured to receive theresilient locking jaws 774, 775 therebetween in use, as furtherdescribed herein. The sidewalls 804 are preferably spaced apart by ashorter lateral distance than the locking jaws 774, 775. This enablesthe collar 800 to deflect and compress the jaws inwards when the collarengages the jaws.

The top wall 802 includes an elongated slit 806 which receives the upperportion of clamp 770 and locking jaws 774, 775 therethrough. In oneembodiment, slit 806 may penetrate one end of the top wall 802 (see,e.g. FIG. 37). In another embodiment, the slit 806 may be captive andpositioned between the ends of the top wall (see, e.g. FIG. 38). Ineither embodiment, slit 806 may include an enlarged rectilinear centralopening 808 through which the upper portion of jaws 774, 775 arereceived as shown in FIGS. 34-36B.

Locking collar 800 is vertically and linearly slideable on the clamp 770between an upper position located at least partially above the centralvoid 778 and widened lateral engagement sidewalls 784 of the resilientlyflexible locking jaws 774, 775 (see, e.g. FIG. 36A), and a lower lockedposition (see, e.g. FIG. 36B). In the lower locked position, theengagement sidewalls 784 of each jaw are received between the sidewalls804 of the collar 800. In use once the installer inserts the topstiffening channel 220 of the grid support member 202 between thelocking jaws 774, 775 as described above, the installer slides thecollar 800 downward from the upper position over the engagementsidewalls 784 of the jaws. A resiliently movable locking tab 810protruding laterally outwards from one of the locking jaws 774 or 775 isdeflect inwards by the collar during this motion. The jaws 774, 775 thenenter the collar 800 and are squeezed together by the collar 800 tosecurely clamp onto the grid support member top stiffening channel 220as shown in FIG. 36B. Once the top wall 802 of the collar 800 passesbelow the resiliently movable locking tab 810, the tab spring backoutwards to its undeflected position thereby locking the collar 800 inplace. The collar 800 cannot be raised again without manually depressingthe locking tab 810. Accordingly, the collar 800 locks the clamp 770onto the grid support member.

In general, it will be appreciated that the sequential steps of any ofthe grid hanger and grid support installation methods disclosed hereinmay of course be altered and performed in any order by the installerdepending on the installation requirements and/or preferences of theinstaller. For example, using grid hanger 700 as an illustration, thegrid support member 202 may first be attached to the grid hanger 700after the mounting bracket 702 is installed on the joist 230, and thenthe height and/or angular position of the hanger member 704 may beadjusted as required. Accordingly, numerous variations of theinstallation methods described herein are possible and may be used inother embodiments. The invention is therefore not limited to thesequence of installation steps enumerated herein.

The grid hangers disclosed herein including mounting brackets and hangermembers may be constructed preferably of a suitable metal if nototherwise specifically enumerated herein.

While the foregoing description and drawings represent exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure, it will be understood thatvarious additions, modifications and substitutions may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope and range of equivalents ofthe accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to thoseskilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in otherforms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with otherelements, materials, and components, without departing from the spiritor essential characteristics thereof. In addition, numerous variationsin the methods/processes described herein may be made within the scopeof the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will furtherappreciate that the embodiments may be used with many modifications ofstructure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and componentsand otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which areparticularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirementswithout departing from the principles described herein. The presentlydisclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive. The appended claims should beconstrued broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of thedisclosure, which may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and range of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A grid hanger assembly for mounting a ceilingsystem, the grid hanger assembly comprising: a mounting bracketcomprising an elastically deformable spring clip, the mounting bracketdefining a vertical mounting centerline; the mounting bracket comprisinga bottom flange and adjoining vertical side flange extending upwardlyfrom the bottom flange, the bottom and side flanges configured to engagean overhead support structure when mounted thereto; an elongated hangermember slideably coupled to the spring clip, the hanger member includinga coupling end configured to engage a grid support member of the ceilingsystem and a top end having a travel stop that limits the height of thehanger member relative to the mounting bracket, the spring clipconfigured to frictionally secure the hanger member in one of aplurality of mounting positions relative to the mounting bracket; andwherein the spring clip is deformable between an unlocked positionallowing adjustment of the hanger member relative to the mountingbracket and a locked position frictionally locking the hanger member. 2.The grid hanger assembly according to claim 1, wherein the spring clipcomprises a pair of outwardly and laterally projecting resilient springarms obliquely angled in relation to each other forming a generallyV-shaped structure.
 3. The grid hanger assembly according to claim 2,wherein the spring arms extend outwards from a front side of the sideflange of the mounting bracket in a direction opposite to the bottomflange which extends perpendicularly from a rear side of the sideflange.
 4. The grid hanger assembly according to claim 2, wherein thearms are located midway between vertical peripheral side edges of thebracket.
 5. The grid hanger assembly according to claim 2, wherein eachspring arm comprises an intermediate portion joined to the side flangeand a horizontal terminal end obliquely angled to the intermediateportion, the intermediate portion of each spring arm disposed obliquelyangled to the side flange.
 6. The grid hanger assembly according toclaim 2, wherein the bottom and side flanges and the spring arms areformed as integral unitary structural parts of the mounting bracket bodywhich are bent to form the flanges and spring arms.
 7. The grid hangerassembly according to claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket ishorizontally elongated having a greater width than height.
 8. The gridhanger assembly according to claim 1, wherein the bottom flange isoriented perpendicularly to the side flange and bifurcated such that thebottom flange comprises a pair of laterally spaced apart first andsecond flange sections arranged to engage a bottom surface of theoverhead support structure.
 9. The grid hanger assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the mounting bracket includes a pair of resilientlyflexible cantilevered securement tabs movable relative to a body of themounting bracket, each securement tab having a pointed end configured toengage the overhead support structure and wherein the overhead supportstructure is a joist.
 10. The grid hanger assembly according to claim 1,wherein the hanger member is a J-shaped hook, and wherein the hangermember is slideable through a pair of spaced apart guide holes formed inthe spring clip.
 11. The grid hanger assembly according to claim 1,wherein the travel stop is an L-shaped curved end having a portion thatprojects laterally.
 12. The grid hanger assembly according to claim 1,wherein the spring clip comprises a plurality of guide holes that areconfigured to slideably couple the elongated hanger member to the springclip, the guide hole is defined by an edge comprising a first linearedge portion, a second linear edge portion, a third linear edge portion,and a fourth linear edge portion; wherein the first linear edge portionand second linear edge portion converge upwardly towards each other, andwherein the third linear edge portion and fourth linear edge portionconverge downwardly towards each other.
 13. A ceiling system comprising:an overhead support structure; a grid support member defining alongitudinal axis; a ceiling panel supported by the grid support member;a mounting bracket defining a vertical mounting centerline andcomprising a bottom flange and adjoining side flange extending upwardlyfrom the bottom flange, the flanges abuttingly engaging the overheadsupport structure; the mounting bracket comprising an elasticallydeformably spring clip, the spring clip comprising a plurality of springarms each having a guide hole; an elongated hanger member slideablycoupled to the spring clip through the guide holes, the spring clipconfigured and operable to frictionally secure the hanger member in aplurality of mounting positions relative to the mounting bracket, theelongated hanger member comprising a top end having a travel stop thatlimits the height of the hanger member relative to the mounting bracket;wherein the guide holes are defined by an edge comprising a first linearedge portion, a second linear edge portion, a third linear edge portion,and a fourth linear edge portion; wherein the first linear edge portionand second linear edge portion converge upwardly towards each other, andwherein the third linear edge portion and fourth linear edge portionconverge downwardly towards each other; and wherein the spring clip isdeformable between an unlocked position allowing adjustment of thehanger member relative to the mounting bracket and a locked positionfrictionally locking the hanger member in one of the selectable mountingpositions.
 14. The ceiling system according to claim 13, wherein thespring arms project outwardly and laterally and the spring arms areobliquely angled in relation to each other forming a generally V-shapedstructure.
 15. The ceiling system according to claim 14, wherein thehanger member is a J-shaped hook slideably received through the guideholes in each of the spring arms.
 16. The ceiling system according toclaim 13, wherein the bottom flange is oriented perpendicularly to theside flange and engaged with a bottom surface of the overhead supportstructure and wherein the side flange is fixedly mounted to the overheadsupport structure.
 17. The ceiling system according to claim 13, whereinthe mounting bracket includes a pair of resiliently flexiblecantilevered securement tabs movable relative to a body of the mountingbracket, each securement tab having a pointed end engaged with theoverhead support structure.
 18. The ceiling system according to claim13, wherein the guide holes may be diamond shaped, polygonal, ornon-polygonal.
 19. A grid hanger assembly for mounting a ceiling system,the grid hanger assembly comprising: a mounting bracket comprising anelastically deformable spring clip, the mounting bracket defining avertical mounting centerline, the mounting bracket comprising a bottomflange and adjoining vertical side flange extending upwardly from thebottom flange, the bottom and side flanges configured to engage anoverhead support structure when mounted thereto; an elongated hangermember slideably coupled to the spring clip, the hanger member includinga coupling end configured to engage a grid support member of the ceilingsystem and a top end having a travel stop that limits the height of thehanger member relative to the mounting bracket, the spring clipconfigured to frictionally secure the hanger member in one of aplurality of mounting positions relative to the mounting bracket;wherein the spring clip is deformable between an unlocked positionallowing adjustment of the hanger member relative to the mountingbracket and a locked position frictionally locking the hanger member;and wherein the spring clip comprises a plurality of guide holes thatare configured to slideably couple the elongated hanger member to thespring clip, the guide holes are defined by an edge comprising a firstlinear edge portion, a second linear edge portion, a third linear edgeportion, and a fourth linear edge portion; wherein the first linear edgeportion and second linear edge portion converge upwardly towards eachother, and wherein the third linear edge portion and fourth linear edgeportion converge downwardly towards each other.